Like many midwestern states, Missouri experiences all four seasons. Summers bring heat and humidity, while winters bring freezing temperatures and snow. The harsh weather throughout the year can cause significant wear and tear on homes. St. Charles, in particular, has many older homes that were built without meeting the modern-day plumbing and insulation standards that are designed to withstand winter stress.
The constant freeze-thaw cycles can lead to roof leaks, foundation cracks, and other forms of winter water damage. These issues often develop in hidden areas and canquickly escalate in aging properties.
Why Older Homes in St. Charles Are More Vulnerable
Older homes are often built with aging materials, systems, and outdated construction methods. These factors can make aging homes more vulnerable to winter water damage, especially in severe conditions.
Depending on the material used for the plumbing systems, the pipes may be more prone to corrosion and cracking. Additionally, aging insulation may no longer be effective, allowing cold air to reach pipes in the winter.
As time goes on, the foundation of a house can also develop cracks that allow water in through hydrostatic pressure. Homeowners living in older homes need to proactively inspect and maintain the house to reduce the risk of winter water damage.
Common Winter Water Damage Sources in Older Homes
Galvanized steel, cast iron, and even lead were all commonly used for plumbing lines in homes built before 1980. These materials, however, come with their fair share of problems, which is why they were phased out for modern materials like copper and plastics.
For example, cast iron pipes are prone to corrosion and can be difficult to repair. Beyond plumbing concerns, older homes face many more water damage risks that homeowners should be aware of. Here are a few common issues to keep in mind.
- Frozen and bursting pipes. Older pipes are often less flexible and prone to cracking under freezing pressure.
- Ice dams and roof leaks. Aging roofing materials can deteriorate and lose durability, increasing the risk of moisture intrusion during a storm.
- Foundation seepage. Constant freeze-thaw cycles can widen existing cracks and allow groundwater to seep into the basement.
Where Older Homes Are Most Vulnerable
Water damage and winter plumbing issues can occur in many different parts of a home. For instance, basement water damage in the winter is common in older homes. However, the most at-risk areas can also change depending on where cold air is coming in and a variety of other factors. The following areas are typically most at risk, and homeowners should regularly check on them throughout the year.
- Basements and crawlspaces
- Exterior wall plumbing
- Attics and rooflines
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas
Warning Signs of Winter Water Damage
Homeowners who can identify water intrusion early can stop the spread of water damage before it escalates into a major issue. Water damage can often begin and spread inconspicuously. However, there will be signs of winter water damage that homeowners can spot over time — some subtle and others very noticeable. Below are some signs of winter water damage to watch out for.
- Water stains or discoloration are signs of a water intrusion that is affecting the floor, walls, or ceiling.
- Bubbling, peeling, or cracking paint can indicate that unwanted moisture is trapped beneath the surface.
- Persistent musty odors can be a sign of mold growth or hidden water damage.
- Reduced water pressure in certain fixtures indicates that you may have a burst pipe or a leak.
- Laminate and vinyl flooring may crack or lift when exposed to moisture for a prolonged period.
How ServiceMaster of St. Charles Helps with Winter Water Damage
Water damage mitigation needs to begin as soon as possible after an intrusion. This will minimize the damage and help keep restoration costs down. ServiceMaster of St. Charles specializes in preventing and reducing water damage, as well as restoring homes to their pre-loss conditions.
Our professionals are highly trained and work efficiently to restore property. We are even available to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team always acts quickly to get on-site to support homeowners in need as soon as we can. Below is an overview of our emergency water damage restoration process in St. Charles.
- Moisture detection and damage assessment.
- Emergency water extraction and drying.
- Structural drying and dehumidification.
- Restoration and construction, tailored to the age and type of home.
Protect Your Home with Reliable Water Damage Restoration Services
Older St. Charles homes face an elevated risk of winter water damage. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable professional restoration company in mind to call in case of an emergency.
At ServiceMaster of St. Charles, we bring years of expertise, advanced equipment, and local knowledge to restore your home — no matter the situation. Don’t wait. Contact us today for winter water damage restoration in St. Charles, MO.
FAQ Section
Why are older homes more prone to winter water damage?
Older homes have aging materials and systems, which increases the risk of any defects or vulnerabilities. Corroding plumbing lines, insulation gaps, and cracks in the foundation are all examples of weak points that can develop with age.
Can frozen pipes cause hidden damage?
Yes, frozen plumbing lines often lead to pipe leaks. In some cases, these pipes can be located behind walls or under floors and may not be instantly evident.
Do older foundations crack more during winter?
In the winter, constant freeze-thaw cycles will widen existing cracks over time. This can result in the cracks allowing more water to enter a home and cause damage.
Is winter water damage covered by insurance?
Insurance policies vary depending on the cause of the water leak, maintenance history, and specific provider. You should speak directly with your provider and review the terms of your policy closely to determine what is and isn’t covered.
When should a restoration professional be contacted?
Water intrusions should be immediately addressed to reduce the damage and the costs of recovery. Restoration professionals are already equipped with the expertise and equipment to mitigate water damage effectively. Some services, like ServiceMaster of St. Charles, also respond rapidly to calls 24/7 to ensure that homeowners receive help as soon as it’s needed.
